Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent a dress?
It depends on the package that you choose to go for and whether or not you need other services beside the dress itself. Our packages and prices can be found in the ‘Prices/Packages’ section.
What do you get by renting from us?
Where can I try on the dress and choose?
You have 2 options – You can either book an appointment online to come see the dresses and try them on in our studio in Richmond Hill, or you can send us your measurements and your choice of the dress and we will choose the best size for you.
What if the dress doesn’t fit?
That is impossible if you told us your measurements truthfully. The dress size is adjustable and should work for you to wear to a photoshoot and pose in it. We do not do any adjustments to the dresses, we pick the best size for you to wear. Remember that some parts of the dress might not fit perfectly, but this will not be visible in photos. If you are still worried about the fit, we suggest for you to go with a Silver Package that involves a personal stylist who will bring all the necessary tools to help you with the fit during your photoshoot.
Where can I see the dresses?
The easiest way to see the dresses is in our Catalogue or on our page in Instagram. Every dress has a name and some can be worn several different ways (some dresses have detachable sleeves etc.). Click on the individual dress page to see more info about the dress. Alternatively, you come come see the dresses in person in our studio in Richmond Hill. Please make sure to book a try on.
I need the dress for an event (wedding, baby shower etc.)
Athena dresses have very big skirts and very long trains, and are only suited for photography. They are uncomfortable and even dangerous for other occasions, such as weddings, parties etc. We are working on having a wedding dress collection for rent around 2022!
How long in advance do I need to book?
We recommend to book your dress as soon as you have a set date for your photoshoot. Otherwise, at least 1 month notice is advisable for you to have the best possible selection of gowns. Some seasons are busier than others, and can mean that the dresses are booked back-to-back. Contact us through WhatsApp, email or Instagram if you wish to book the dress online, or come for a try on session by making an appointment through our website
Is there a deposit I need to pay to book the dress?
The full package amount is due at a time of booking to secure your dress. We charge a base fee, depending on the chosen package, and a damage deposit of $300 per dress. The entire amount is due upon booking. The damage deposit is fully refundable upon dress return assuming the conditions of rental are met.
What if I’m in US or another Canadian city? Can I still rent?
You absolutely can, but the conditions and price is a bit different. Please see the packages section and contact us for any question.
What if my photoshoot gets cancelled? Can I get my money back?
Unfortunately, the rental price is non-refundable. If your photoshoot gets rescheduled because of the weather or other reasons, please notify us at least 24 hrs in advance and we will gladly move your rental to a different day. It is free of charge to reschedule the rental for the first time, but all subsequent reschedules will be subject to a $50 rescheduling fee. This does not apply to situations involving Covid-19.
Where and when do I pick up my dress?
If you choose to go with the Bronze Package, you will need to pick the dress up the night before your photoshoot from our studio in Richmond Hill, typically between 6 and 9pm. We can also send you your dress by Uber at your cost, if that is more convenient to you. If you are located elsewhere, please contact us to discuss your options.
Will my dress be clean when I receive it?
Your dress will be dry-cleaned, steamed, sanitized and ready for you to wear. You will receive it in a special waterproof case together with all the accessories you need to wear it.
How/When do I return the dress?
The details and time of the return will be specified in your rental contract. Usually, the latest you can return the dress is noon (12pm) of the day following your rental day. You can also return the dress on the same day as your shoot, given that it is before 9pm.
What if the dress gets dirty?
Athena Dress Rental covers the dry cleaning fee of the gowns between wears. The only time you could be charged extra is if the dress is returned in a SEVERELY stained condition, at which point an additional fee for double dry cleaning will be applied.
What is considered damage?
Regular wear and tear is expected (fabric stretch, loose threads, colour fade etc.). Any damage that is caused by negligence (burn marks, tears, ripped zippers, beverage stains) will be the responsibility of the renter. If the damage is minor and can be repaired, the appropriate amount will be subtracted from the damage deposit (to be determined by Athena Dress Rental). However, if the damage is major and/or is irreparable, the renter will be responsible for the entire cost of the dress (ranging between $3,000 - $8,000 depending on the dress).
What if there is damage or staining when I receive the dress?
We inspect our dresses before giving them to you, so there shouldn’t be any issues. However, we are all human and might miss things, therefore you have 2 hours to inspect the dress after picking it up and text Athena Dress Rental with any issues and photographic proof of damage/staining to remove liability from yourself. Just like you would inspect a rental car before taking it off the lot, you will be able to inspect your dress up to 2 hours folowing pick up. If the inspection was not performed within the 2hr timeframe, any damage will be on you. If you chose Silver or Gold packages that include dress delivery, the dress inspection will be performed together with you before your shoot.
When do I get my damage deposit back?
The dress will be inspected for damage after you return it. Assuming the conditions of rental are met, you will receive your damage deposit within 24 hrs of dress return via e-transfer. If the dress needs any repairs, the sppropriate amount will be subtracted from the damage deposit and the rest will be returned to you via e-transfer.
When are you open?
Our weekly appointments are different, so please refer to our calendar for the availability. Please make sure to book an appointment prior to showing up at our location. To book an appointment, navigate to the "Book a Try-On" link in the main menu of the website.
How long is the rental for?
The rental price includes a rental of any dress for 1 day. If you want to rent the dress for 2 or more day, we can offer you additional time at a discounted price. Please contact us to discuss your options.